The Social Archeology Channel

Of the many modern urban myths that tangentially involve breakfast foods, there is one universally accepted truth that has been handed down unchanged from successive generations since the introduction of Cap'n Crunch in 1962. Read forth, if you want to know about this popular breakfast cereal's injury-riddled history. Continue reading...

Artistic talent or not, every kid could produce abstract masterpieces with a Spirograph. This geometric drawing toy was introduced to the world at a toy expo in 1965. Kenner Toys recognized a good thing when they saw it and acquired the rights to market it in America. It's been a beloved staple of arts and crafts toys ever since. Continue reading...

Forget the British Invasion of the 60s; let’s talk about the lesser-known Flemish Invasion of the early 80s. For that is when America was introduced to a herd of little blue humanoids known as Schtroumphs in their native land. Not ringing a bell yet? Perhaps you know them by their American translation – Smurfs. Created back in 1957 by cartoonist Peyo Culliford, they first made their presence known in the form of toys, but once TV executive Fred Silverman wisely bought the rights to use their likeness on NBC, The Smurfs quickly won over the hearts of tykes from coast to coast and Smurfmania was on the rise. Continue reading...

For those who didn't necessarily want to wage their arcade battles in the far reaches of space, there was once a game called Frogger, which allowed us to help a member of the animal kingdom traverse obstacles both natural and man-made, and find his way safely to his preferred habitat. This journey, both daunting and surprisingly addictive, made Konami's Frogger an instant hit among the masses, and one of the most beloved video games to emerge from the 80s. Continue reading...

If you were a kid back in the mid-80s, you likely know The Goonies like the back of your hand, maybe even able to quote it with ease. That's because this adventurous 1985 film charmed the hearts of millions of kids back in the day - enough so that it that it still maintains a cult following. Let's take a look back. Continue reading...

Peering jealously over the fence at the neighbor’s nice big pool became a thing of the past with the Slip ‘n Slide. When the summer weather was scorching hot and the beach was an inconvenient distance away, kids found cool relief along a runway made of plastic. Hooked up to the garden hose, the runway magically transformed into the wettest, most slippery surface ever devised by man. Continue reading...

In the world of snack foods, there is perhaps no better representation of the “American Dream” than the inspiring story of a humble man named Wally Amos. He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida and learned from his aunt how to make her celebrated chocolate chip cookies. And while it took him many years, Wally “Famous” Amos learned that if you do what you love, the rewards can be amazing. His Famous Amos cookies surged in popularity throughout the 80s and are now found just about anywhere that cookies are sold. Continue reading...

In 1988, a television show debuted that quickly won the heart of every baby boomer out there. The Wonder Years followed the daily life of a young boy named Kevin Arnold, who was coming of age during the turbulence of the late 60s. While Kevin struggled with his own adolescence, the nation had it's own challenges - the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the liberation of women - and millions tuned in each week to follow the trials and tribulations of this all-American suburban family. Continue reading...